Sequencing Ustilago maydis with the
LI-COR 4200 DNA Sequencer

Dr. Dagmar Schuette, Sequencing Department
LION Bioscience AG, Heidelberg, Germany

Abstract

The phyto-pathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis causes corn smut, a tumor disease in maize that has a large economic impact on crop harvest worldwide. Molecular studies have shown that signaling between the pathogen and the plant is of key importance in tumor induction, fungal growth and differentiation within the plant. An economic ordered approach was started by BAYER AG, in cooperation with LION Bioscience AG, to analyze the Ustilago maydis genome.

This organism was chosen to form the basis for understanding the mechanisms of pathogenicity of this fungus. Furthermore, it should serve as a model organism for fungal infections in plants in general, with the aim to identify anti-fungal target genes for the development of sophisticated plant protection strategies.